Our Story

THE MADOROM STORY

MadoroM Vineyards was founded in 2001 by Napa native, Andy Amador, his wife Marissa Amador and Napa Winemaker Mike Blom. MadoroM wines are produced with world class Napa Valley grapes from the Amador family's vineyards located on Silverado Trail in the Oak Knoll District of the Napa Valley, Mount Veeder, just west of Napa with in the Mayacamas range, and Pope Valley, northeast of Napa County. The Amador's vineyards are two diverse ends of the spectrum that present an unparalleled uniqueness in every bottle of MadoroM.

As MadoroM grew throughout the years, the Amadors and Mike Blom created MadoroM's signature Camouflage Wines. MadoroM's unique Camouflage brand features hunters & anglers on the back of each bottle, the idea stemming from Andy's affinity for the outdoors. MadoroM's Custom Wine labels are a unique way for wine enthusiasts to enjoy a personal touch on MadoroM's variety of wines or to commemorate special occassions.

As the son of Napa Valley icon and meat cutter Gus Amador, Andy learned the value of great food and drink, spending his afternoons and weekends working in his father's shop. Gus was a well-respected butcher in the Napa Valley who co-founded Pueblo Meat Market with his friend and mentor Thomas Walker in 1969. Gus became sole proprietor of the business located at 2017 West Pueblo Avenue in 1973 and continued his work as a butcher for many decades .

As a youth, Andy spent an enormous amount of time in and around vineyards. At age 27, he purchased a 188 acre ranch in the eastern Napa Valley helped in part by the prior owner, Jack Peters. Peters appreciated Andy's love of nature, hardwork and determination agreeing to carry the bank note to help Andy start get his start in the Napa Valley Wine industry. Shortly thereafter, Andy planted 50 acres of vines at the ranch, expanding his vineyard holdings at the base of Mt. Veeder.

In 2001 Andy met Mike Blom by what some would call chance–but would affirm as fate. After they met, Andy requested that Mike make a small batch of wine from the fruit of one of Andy’s vineyards, just to test the potential for an outstanding product. The result of this experiment showed refined Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon characteristics. A vision was born!

Mike earned a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from UC Davis, graduating in 1981 – and entered the world of wine production at the invitation of contacts from his university days. At first, Mike assisted a friend’s family at club events sponsored by the family winery. But from that point, Mike’s interest in wine continued to grow.

Over the years, Mike has worked for hallmark wineries in the Napa Valley, including as the Assistant Winemaker at Grgich Hills and as Winemaker at Peju.

Mike initially made a small lot of wine from Andy’s Mt. Veeder vineyard to evaluate the potential for crafting an exceptional product. Their first vintage was unveiled at a gathering of friends and family, presented in only two 3.0L large format bottles. A stunned silence fell over the crowd when it tasted the premier production of 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon. After the silence came boisterous approval. In vino veritas, indeed! Andy, Marissa and Mike got the message. It was time to begin serious production of the wine called MadoroM – a combination of their names...

AMADOR BLOM

Decades after the MadoroM Story began, Andy & Marissa continue to share their love of family, country and great wine.

To share the success of MadoroM, and show appreciation for the support from their friends and original MadoroM customers, the Amadors give back to Kern County residents each year at the MadoroM Wine Release Dinner Party & Charity Auction held in Bakersfield, California.

Throughout the years, MadoroM has raised over ten million in charity contributions to causes near to their heart. Beneficieries include Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation, Lauren Small Children's Center, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital Foundation, Wounded Heroes Fund, Global Family Care Network, RM Pyles Camp, C.A.R.E For Kids and many, many others.

The Amador family continues to support not only Kern County charities but many other organizations in California & Idaho.

In 2024 Mike Blom retired, handing the keys for the wine cave to Winemaker Nick Leishman. Nick grew up in the Midwest where he spent many years farming & ranching. After finishing his degrees in National Resource Management and Outdoor Recreational Leadership, Nick's love of the outdoors and background in farming, lead him to wine production. While working at notable wineries such as Fantesca, Garguilio and Bond, he attended Napa Valley College to perfect his wine knowledge and skills. After cutting his teeth under Napa Valley legends like Heidi Barrett, Phillipe Melka and Julian Fayard, Nick joined the MadoroM team. His vision to continue the MadoroM legacy is evident in the smooth, rich wines that showcase fruit, depth and balance. Nick values the importance of enjoying great wines with friends & family.

OUR STORY